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I'm an Author. I love to write, I love to read and I just love books in general.

Monday, February 11, 2013

February update and some Q & A’s

Ah, February....the shortest month of the year. It always passes way too quickly. It’s already the 11th and I’m wondering where the days have gone. LOL!


So...what’s up with the books? Moon has been finished and turned IN for edits! Here’s the cover. I don’t have a release date yet but I’ll post when I know anything. It shouldn’t be too long.



 

What else am I working on? The Something Wicked This Way Comes anthologies - Volume 3 has been delayed so the short story I had in it has been released back to me. I’m adding word count to expand it into novella length. If you read Scarred and Kilt from Something Wicked This WayComes - Volume 2....and liked Mine to Chase...you’ll be happy to know that it's Lethal’s story. The three are connected. Blaron (Kilt) and Lethal are best friends. Chase works at the club they run together. I’m working on Lethal’s story to hopefully get it out to you soon.


I’m also working on Blackie’s story (Cyborg Seduction series). I get asked a lot of questions about some of the favorite characters you have been waiting on. Sky, Mavo, Deviant, Gene, and a few others are on my list. I’ve got partials for most of them already to work from when I get to their timeline. 


Cousin Brand is on my short list to work on and finish. I have a big chunk of his book done. I’ve had to work on another book in the Mating Heat series because it intersects with his story so I’ve been working on it too. I need to finish the connected scenes before I finish Brand’s story.


You’ll see more Raines books from the Riding the Raines series. More Zorn Warriors (not soon on the Zorn but not too far in the future). I’ll officially state again that there are going to be a LOT of New Species books. Every time one comes out I get a bunch of emails asking me if there’s going to be another one. YES. LOTS. Who are some of them that come to mind? Breeze. Brass. Harley. Vengeance. Flame. Darkness. Smiley. It’s a long list. They aren’t coming out in that order.


So...questions I get in my email the most often these days...


Q - What’s the best advice you can give to an inspiring author?

A - Don’t give up. Writing is challenging. It took me a year to write my first book in 1993. I wondered if I’d EVER finish it but I did. Write what you love. Write something with your heart. I don’t think you can go wrong with that. Have people read it and ask for brutally honest feedback. It’s never easy when you write something they don’t like but it’s how you learn. Writing is...constantly learning and evolving in my experience. Keep your sense of humor.


Q - How do you pronounce your name?

A - Lor (rhymes with Door) Ann. My last name is pronounced Dough - Ner.  I’ll answer to about anything that sounds close.



Q - What’s the hardest thing about writing and how do you handle it?

A - Wow. That’s a tough one. Really. I love what I do. You want an answer though so...bad reviews make you wince or if they are super brutal...give you the urge to go curl up to have a good cry. You have to grow a thicker skin or toss in the towel. In the end, I write the stories that come to me and that won’t leave me alone until they are finished. I do my best and that’s all anyone can do. I remember I’m human.



Q - What does my family and friends think about my writing erotic romances?

A - I’m happy to say they are really supportive. I’ve always been a really upfront type of person so I didn’t hide it or drop hints. I just put it right out there. They always knew I really loved books and was an avid reader. I had an adult library card when I was young because I blew through the entire child section about the time I hit nine years old. I think the most surprising thing to them is that I don’t write horror or murder mystery novels since that is mostly what used to read.



Q - Do you ever run out of ideas for books?

A - I wish. No, I don’t. I have a hyperactive imagination. I was always a daydreamer. I get plot/storylines hitting me so fast and so often that it’s scary. I once tried to write out possible storylines for books I considered writing but stopped when I realized I had over 400 of them sitting on my hard drive within that year. That’s normal for me. They never stop coming.



Q - Are you really a team of authors?

A - That one always makes me laugh. No. I wish I could clone myself. Wouldn’t that be cool??? I’m just one person who puts in a lot of hours. I have an obsessive personality when it comes to writing because I really do love doing it. All the books published with my name on them are books I actually wrote. I can understand though how some might wonder. I wrote 54 books before I was published. A few of them are older books that I updated and have put out since then. The first seven New Species books are an example. Perspectives and ‘voices’ change as you age. Some of the younger me shines through in some books. I also like to write different stuff. It is fun and I like to stretch my imagination - kind of push myself to do new things. I’m also always learning and evolving my writing. Ral’s Woman as an example was written in early 2009. Shadow was written in 2012. There’s a big difference in the writing style. I learned to express myself better and write smoother these days. Huge Kudos to editors who point out mistakes so authors learn from them.

 

Okay, I think this blog is longer than I anticipated so I’ll answer more of the questions at another time. I will post as soon as Moon gets a release date.

 

Have a great week!

 

Laurann

 

60 comments:

  1. You are a fantastic author that I love reading! Believe it or not, you're probably one of the few authors I'd like to one day meet in person and I think that stems from your honest, friendly, open personality! Keep up the awesome work and I will continue to buy your books!!!

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  2. Hola Lauraan, yo soy de chile, me gustan tus libros y espero con ansiedad la traducción en español de la serie Nuevas especies. Tienes alguna noticia si serán traducidos?... Espero que si, desde la Patagonia te envió muchos saludos para ti.
    Cecilia

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  3. Lindsay, thank you. I really appreciate it.

    Hola Cecilia, puede contactar con Ellorascave para pedirles. No estoy seguro. Gracias

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  4. I have enjoyed reading every book you've published. I will say the New Species is my favorite but the other series are all tied for second. I'm glad you share your gift with the rest of us to enjoy. Keep up the great writing and I'll keep up the reading.

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  5. Laurann,
    Great update.
    I'm on pins and needles for Moon.
    Could you hint whose book is next in NS Series (after Moon's)? :)
    Thank you for wonderful writing.

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  6. Laurann, Thank you so much for writing so many awesome books. I love the New Species best and am so glad to hear that Moon is coming soon. As Anonymous asked, I'm also wondering who is coming out after Moon. I just reread all the NS books and so remember all the other NS mentioned. I'm hoping that you'll do them all! I'm so glad that you connected with Ellorascave so that your books can come out faster. Cheers, Kelly

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  7. Hi Laurann.

    I am so happy to see that you will be coming out with more books in all my favourite series. The New Species is my fave, but I love all your books. I have all your books and have ready everyone of them. They are definitely in my "keep" pile.

    Thanks so much for sharing your awesome talent.

    gayle2b74@gmail.com

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  8. Thanks for the post. I love your books :)

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  9. As your books do not exist in English you're the reason I improved my English. I love The New Species especially Valiant.
    Kiss from France

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  10. You are amazing, Laurann. I love your books and your stories and I take your advice because I love write too. I'm happy you are so creative because I dont' have to wait so long for the next book.
    Maria Cristina Robb

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  11. Sorry I mean in french pfffff quelle nouille

    Bon courage pour la suite

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  12. I agree with my friend Athenais
    We love your books in france

    Can't wait for moon

    Bises de France

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  13. I can't believe you left off Jericho's name in that list LOL.
    And I can vouch that there isn't a writing team behind this lady. She is a writing machine with a great supportive husband--waves to Mr Laurann.
    Can't wait to see you in a few weeks in San Antonio!

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  14. Stumbled upon your New Species Series and I'm hooked! As an aspiring author myself I appreciate the writing tips. Your writing/reading history sounds a lot like mine. I started reading at 4 years old and writing at 7/8 and haven't stopped since.

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  15. I was so happy to see you say that there are a lot more New Species book to come! They are my favorite and I can't wait for Moon to be released!!

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  16. Thank you for the news. I wish you and Mr. Laurann a HAPPY VALANTINES DAY.

    Leslie

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  17. Wow what a fantastic cover for Moon! I can't wait for it to be released. The first book I ever read of yours was Fury, which was very quickly followed by Slade and Valliant. Ever since then I have been hooked on your books and you have become an auto buy author for me. You where the first author I have ever reviewed a book for on Amazon.
    I will be the first to admit that sci-fi is not normally for me but then I read your cyborg series over about a week, I have now discovered another genre that I love! I now own all your books on kindle and I am forever recommending you to my friends and family.
    The books I am most looking forward to are Flame (hope he gets it together with Amanda!) and Vengeance.
    Please keep up the fantastic work and keep us all updated and all your new releases!
    Thanks
    Charlotte

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  18. I would like to ask you would their ever be any Audio book for New Species?
    Thanks
    Tania D

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  19. Thank you everyone. I haven't gone over all the partials I have for the NS books but I'm pretty sure the next one up will be one of the original nine I had written. I haven't released his name yet but...he's introduced in Moon's book. (GRIN)

    Audio books - I know Ellorascave was looking into that but I haven't heard anything solid yet. Fingers crossed. That would be soooooo cool, wouldn't it?

    Jericho gets a book! LOL. I just state that one so much...it's kind of a given.

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  20. L,
    Is he the one who's still in captivity?
    The one who'll meet his mate in Mercile's cage?
    I'm SOOO dying to read his book.
    I love, LOVE your work.
    Thank you for sharing your talent.

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  21. Thanks L

    I really wish there was more of you to write all the other books for NS so there will no waiting for the next, and the next etc....

    Please keep up the writing and suprising your fans with each book

    Thanks

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  22. Laurann, I love the cover for Moon's book - so hot! Now I'm itching even more to read his book!

    Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mr. Laurann!

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  23. Let me just say I LOVE your books! NS are my all time favorites I'm in the middle of rereading them for the fifth time! And I can nor wait for moon! But is there any way that you can come out with a list of the names of the New Species that you know for sure are getting a book?

    Anyways keep up the amazing work!

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  24. Woww, the cover is hot ~ I 'm looking forward to this book.

    Happy Valentine's Day !!

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  25. I'm in awe of you!I love all of your different styles, I know each of your books will be unique and far the formulas in other romances. Love you!

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  26. Thank you. There isn't an official list but let's just say there are a lot of them. I have dozens of partials for characters...pretty much all your favorites.

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  27. Your an amazing writer! I love all your books. Hey if you happen to write jerichos story I'm buying three copys.

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  28. Hi Laurann!
    Just finished your "Riding the Raines" books! Really enjoyed them! Could not put them down! Thank you for writing books that keep us on our toes and we can't put down!! NS is my favorite series and Riding the Raines is my 2nd! Looking forward to the future books coming out in both series!

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  29. I enjoy your books. I am awaiting your putting Vengence out of his misery. Give hi a new mate!

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  30. After seeing Moon's cover I need a cold shower! I have all your books & love them all. Keep up the good (make that fantastic) work.
    Take care. Xxx

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  31. Wow! Thank you for this I needed a boost this morning! Like everyone else I too will be on pins & needles waiting for the release!! So excited!

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  32. you are an awesome writer!! can't wait for flame, jericho, and vengeance. i dont know how you make time for all the books you write but i thank you :) i cant even find the right words to describe your books... "EPIC" comes to mind, Every. Single. One! Thanks again :)

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  33. Just read 1-9 of the new species series... Just wow. Let's have one for brass shall we oh and jericho ;) utter awsomage

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  34. Wow....that cover is so hot! It's definitely one of the best! I can't wait until its published. I hope you remain very healthy. I went through severe withdraw from lack of NS book's..lol Have mercy on us and please write some more asap! :)

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  35. Any word if then moon is coming out??

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  36. Thank you so much for the kind words. Moon's edits should arrive any day and then it will get a release date. I love Moon's cover too.

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  37. I just wanted to say think you for sharing your books with us. My fav. Is the new species series and cant wait to read more of ur great work.

    Thanks, trisha

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  38. Hi.
    I'm glad to read that there will be moooore New species books, I just hope that in the coming books there's some information about MIdnight and her relationship, and some news about Jessie and Justice's baby (they are my favorite couple).
    Thanks for sharing your stories.

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  39. Love new species and zorn. You are one of the few authors I can re-read. I am looking forward to more babies In both series.

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  40. Totally agree with the above comment. I just finished rereading Tiger, Obsidian and Shadow (again), and I'm currently rereading Justice (again)!

    About the babies, I keep wondering when the news about their existence will become common knowledge. I figure it's bound to get out eventually, and what a can of worms THAT will be!

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  41. Wow, Moon's got a really great cover! I'm rooting for Darkness' and Jaded's books... :)

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  42. I love your books so much! You are an amazing writer and keep up the awesome job! Is there any news on when moon is going to he out? And can you give us a hint what NS is getting the next book?

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  43. Can't wait for Moon's story! I'm actually hoping for a primate character for the next story-- the previous ones are all about canines and felines. Jericho please?? You gave us a hint about his past in Obsidian's book, perhaps some special lady could appreciate what the others can't :)

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  44. When do new species coming out on print? I old fashion and love having a book in hand. Waiting on tiger, Obsidian, and Shadow. Got the rest and love them.

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  45. Love all your books on new species. What I want to know is when will the females of new species get a book because they need sum loving too and sum babies of there own. My picks are midnight, breeze, and kit. I know kit is mean but she just need the right man in her life to understand what she went through and be by her side.

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  46. I hope Moon comes out by the end of March. I am so excited. Absolutely love all your series and I am addicted to New species. My question is how are the females going to get pregnant? And are they all going to be girls?

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  47. I found the NS series, and introduced my Sister. During a family get together, we discuss the NS family and their latest exploits and the ability to purr. (Purring/growl was the code word when little ears were in hearing distance. Purring was my favorite) After hearing us talk, my father walked to my Kindle and starting reading. He finished the book on his kindle and called on my cell a couple of days later. I had to pull over when I was laughing so hard when my 72 years old father was discussing sex scenes in the book. Now my mother is also reading the books! But we instituted a new family rule, the parents can discuss the books but my Dad cannot discuss sex scenes or we will all have a need for therapy...there is such thing so much family togetherness :-)

    I would love to see Breeze and maybe Jessie's brother or Trey ; Flame and Amanda; and Vengeance and Halfpint or Tiny; and Brass; and Smilely; and the list goes on and on.

    They family has also read the Cyborg's....I would love see how the ability to love changes the cyborg community. Keep writing!!!

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    1. Hey Anonymous

      That's funny how your dad read the book, I'm not sure I could handle my 71 year mom reading the sex sense in NS books, she'll just ask me have I tried any of them with my husband. LOL

      I think you may have hit right with Breeze and Jessie's brother, but as for Vengeance I think he needs someone a little me strong minded than Halfprint or Tiny; I still think he should get a human. I think after Moon, Smiley should be next we need a primaete; than Brass; Amanda & Flame, Jericho, Darkness and Leo from Shadow's book

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  48. I check your blog every day for a Moon update. Waiting....waiting...waiting.....patiently waiting. Please hurry, I have no fingernails remaining.

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  49. Quick questions: What's the name of the model for the cover of Moon? Is he the same model for the Obsidian and Tiger books? Ever thought of moving ahead in time some and having the baby New Speices become kids? Not only would that bring in a teacher for them (and a new woman to hook up with someone) but I picture the kids (since they are boys - so far) being courious about the outworld and maybe sneaking of homeland or reservation (after all boys will be boys). I know it's a crazy thought but to me your books aren't just about sex. I really love the story lines you come up with for all your series. The sex? Well heck it's just a plus for me. :)

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  50. Hello! "Who are some of them that come to mind? Breeze. Brass. Harley. Vengeance. Flame. Darkness. Smiley." Good news! But I thought that Harley died? (Brass, Moon and Harley were assigned to protect Trisha when Justice sent her to Sanctuary on learning she was pregnant). Hope I am wrong... Lili

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    1. Harley did survive! He was air lifted to a nearby trauma hospital. (Slade stated it).

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  51. I've been a long time fan beginning with Ral's Woman & have read everything you've ever written. L love the New Species books but I'm getting tired of them - mainly because I keep looking for more of the Raine Series and Mate Set books (Purrfect Mate is one of my favorites by you). Can you let up on New Species for a while and get into more of the Raine brothers and more sexy Werewolves?? I'm New Species'd out!

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  52. Seriously, Moon has the best cover EVER. *Drooling*
    Can't wait for the book!

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  53. Long story short, I was looking for a new author to enjoy, and your book "Tiger" from the New Species caught my interest. I bought it (Kindle) and then saw the note saying though they are stand-alone they really should be read in sequence. As I have made that very mistake before with other "stand-alones" that should be read in order, I immediately found book 1 of the N.S. series; if only to see how the series starts, to decide if I want to continue or just read Tiger's book. I have to say, after reading Fury's book, I immediately bought the other seven in the series. And you are absolutely correct in that it really enhances the experience with reading them in order. I was drawn into this series from the beginning and ended up reading all 9 books within a couple of weeks. I am pleasantly suprised at finding you as a new favorite author, and am happily waiting (although impatiently) for Moon's book. I also love the fact that your books are not just about sex. The plot lines are excellent and flow wonderfully from book to book. Thank you very much for giving us these wonderful stories and characters!

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  54. Hello

    I have read all of your books and just love them. The covers are so sexy and yes Moon's cover is soo hot. I cant wait to see the cover for Vengeance. When I read about him in the other book I was soo sad for him. Cant wait for that one to come out.
    Have a good week.

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  55. I'm so glad to hear that you're working on the Cyborg & Zorn Series. I love the New Species too but Cyborg & Zorn are my favorites. Can't wait for those to come out. You are by far my favorite author so I'm super excited that there is more on the way! I've already preordered Moon! :-)

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  56. @AnonymousMarch 12, 2013 at 12:56 PM - Many thanks for your answer. Relieved to hear that Harley survived. I missed something as my English is so-so. Very happy that Moon is finished... just got it with 1-click, really love the Kindle! Lili from Paris.

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  57. Can't wait! April 30th isn't far off now. Lili

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  58. Looking forward to Flame's book. You had a partial for Flame and Amanda. I re-read the NS books often just to keep them fresh in mind. Such anticipation. Awesome stuff.

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